Continued decrease in influenza activity
Influenza activity continues to decrease with community cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) reported from the Irish sentinel GP network now below baseline levels. Also the number of influenza outbreaks continues to decrease with only one flu outbreak reported during the week ending March 25th (week 12). However hospitalised influenza cases continue to be reported at moderate levels.
The sentinel GP ILI consultation rate was 14.6 per 100,000 population during week ending March 25th (below the Irish baseline level for community flu activity). It remained low in all age groups. Influenza A and B are currently co-circulating and will continue to circulate in the community in the coming weeks.
The highest rates of influenza a hospitalisations were observed in those aged 65 years and older. To date this season, 4,140 hospitalised confirmed influenza cases have been reported to HPSC, surpassing the number reported during the 2009 influenza pandemic. One hundred and seventy two confirmed influenza cases have been admitted to critical care units so far this season. To date this season, 173 influenza associated deaths have been reported to HPSC. As influenza activity is now below baseline activity levels, the influenza report will be published fortnightly going forward with the next report due on April 12th.
As influenza is still circulating in the community, albeit at low levels, actions to prevent the spread of flu to others are outlined below. Advice on what to do if you develop flu-like symptoms is also outlined below.
The weekly influenza surveillance reports for the 2017/2018 season are available on the HPSC website.
Preventing spread to others
Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough and sneeze (catch it), disposing of the tissue as soon as possible (bin it) and cleaning your hands as soon as you can (kill it) are important measures in helping prevent the spread of germs and reducing the risk of transmission.
Posters on preventing spread are available on the HPSC website. Influenza advice for schools is available on the HPSC website.
What to do if you have flu-like symptoms
Anyone who gets flu should stay at home, rest, drink plenty of fluids and use over-the-counter remedies like paracetamol to ease symptoms.
Advice, tips, information and videos on getting over flu and other common illnesses are available at a new HSE website, www.undertheweather.ie
When to seek help
Adults
If you are in an at risk group with flu symptoms OR if you are not in an at risk group but your flu symptoms are severe or getting worse you should contact your GP. GPs may wish to prescribe antivirals for those presenting with influenza in the at risk groups. If you need to visit your GP or the Emergency Department, please phone first to explain that you might have flu.
Children
If your child has flu and their symptoms are severe or last for more than one week contact your GP. Please phone first to explain that they might have flu.
See HPSC website for all information on influenza